DEFYING NORMS: WOMAN IN HER 50S REDEFINES AGING AND INSPIRES OTHERS ONLINE

It can be disheartening to watch beloved celebrities, teachers, and parents age, as it reminds us that nothing in life is permanent. However, society often exaggerates the significance of aging, especially when it comes to turning 50. Many people treat this milestone as if it marks the beginning of the end, suggesting that the subsequent years are merely a countdown to life’s conclusion. In reality, countless individuals in their 50s and beyond are vibrant, healthy, and mentally sharp. Turning 50 is just as significant as any other birthday.

Luisa Dunn embodies this perspective. As a model and photographer, she refuses to let her age define her. She has become a fashion inspiration for many, using TikTok as her outfit diary to showcase her style and celebrate the joy of dressing up at any age.

Some people dread their 50s as it marks half of a century, but others, like Luisa Dunn, are still enjoying life, sharing the wisdom accumulated through the years

At 52 years old, Luisa Dunn is making waves as a model and photographer, amassing 457k followers on Instagram and over 200k on TikTok. Through her social media presence, she champions age visibility and promotes the concept of positive aging.

Luisa’s modeling journey is anything but conventional. Unlike many models who begin their careers in their teens and retire to pursue education, she started her career at 31. For nearly a decade, she has worked in various print and TV campaigns, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your passions and redefine beauty standards at any age.

Luisa Dunn is a model, a former photographer and positive ageing advocate

At 41, Luisa made the decision to launch her newborn photography business, finding it challenging to balance her modeling career with raising two young children. Then, in 2020, she took another significant step by slowing down her photography business to focus on building her online presence.

On Instagram, Luisa showcases her modeling looks, while on TikTok, she engages her audience with an intriguing series that highlights her everyday outfits. Her aim is to inspire others, particularly women in her own age group, demonstrating that style and confidence can flourish at any age.

She is currently 52 years old and embraces her age and experiences that come with it

Luisa’s fashion sense is anything but typical for women in their 50s. In fact, many may not even associate a distinctive style with mature women, but Luisa proves that notion wrong. Her unique approach to fashion is defined by vibrant colors, flattering silhouettes, and trendy elements.

In a conversation with Now To Love, she described her style philosophy as “having fun with fashion.” She expressed, “I’m drawn to color—as much and as often as possible. I mix palettes and textures, old and new, elegant and casual. I’m a mood and moment dresser.” This playful attitude toward fashion highlights her belief that age should never limit one’s ability to express individuality and creativity through clothing.

However, she rejects the image that society has of how a woman in her 50s is supposed to look

Another distinctive choice Luisa has made is embracing her natural hair color. Just a few years ago, she regularly dyed her hair, but she shared with Homebodii that her journey began with a realization: “Coloring my hair/roots every 14 days was simply not a source of joy in my life anymore. In fact, it was quite the opposite.”

Transitioning to her natural silver hair was not an easy process. Luisa described the mental challenges she faced, saying, “The most challenging part mentally was to actively seek a positive balance to counter the negative anti-aging and ‘grey equals old’ messages that many of us are exposed to every single day, often without being aware of their long-term impact.”

On top of these mental hurdles, the physical transition posed its own difficulties. Luisa noted, “There is no easy or short path to growing out your natural hair, especially if you prefer a longer length and value healthy hair. The process is long and requires a lot of patience, especially if you choose to embrace it cold turkey.” Through it all, Luisa remains an inspiring example of self-acceptance and redefining beauty at any age.

On her TikTok, Luisa shares colorful, bold and trendy outfits that make her look youthful and full of vitality

Now that Luisa fully embraces her natural hair, she feels a renewed sense of happiness and creativity, noting that her silver hair allows her to experiment with vibrant colors in her outfits. She shares, “I’m also loving exploring how being ‘silver’ has given me an entirely new perspective on being creative with both color matching and contrasting. I can re-wear forgotten gems with a completely different sense of style.”

While Luisa serves as an inspiration to others, she also seeks inspiration from talented stylists and creatives. She believes that following these influencers, rather than just the celebrities they dress, offers a more enriching experience: “Exceptionally talented stylists and creatives have now also become the sine qua non for fashion trendsetting and inspiration, so following them probably gets you better bang for your buck in time spent.”

For Luisa, dressing up is an art form. She enjoys the process of putting together outfits just as much as wearing them and showcasing her style, reinforcing her belief that fashion is a powerful means of self-expression at any age.

Not only does Luisa have a distinct style, but she is not afraid of her gray hair that others would associate with old age

While it may seem that Luisa has always exuded confidence, she revealed to Brave And True that this hasn’t always been the case. In fact, she feels more confident now than she did at 31, when she began her modeling career.

Today, Luisa finds herself driven by a larger purpose. She expresses, “I was really inspired by their age-positive mission and felt drawn to be part of the pro-age movement. I believe age diversity, visibility, and inclusion are paramount to helping disrupt the negative aging narrative we have in our society and to shine a light on the importance of fighting against ageism.”

Through her work and presence, Luisa is not only embracing her own journey but also advocating for a shift in societal attitudes toward aging, encouraging others to celebrate their age and all that comes with it.

But the model thinks that it’s just part of her and wishes she would have stopped dyeing it earlier

Luisa’s followers resonate deeply with her empowering message and creative outfits. It’s refreshing to witness someone who has experienced so much of life still embracing new challenges and passionately advocating for change in societal views on aging.

What are your thoughts on Luisa’s approach? Would you feel confident enough to adopt her style? Do you believe that people should dress in a way that aligns with their age, or should fashion be a realm of limitless expression? We’d love to hear your opinions in the comments

conclusion

In conclusion, Luisa Dunn stands as a vibrant example of how age can be embraced and celebrated through personal style and self-expression. By defying conventional norms surrounding aging, she inspires others to rethink their perceptions and embrace their individuality, regardless of age. Luisa’s journey showcases the power of confidence and the importance of advocating for age diversity and inclusion in fashion. Her commitment to living authentically encourages her followers to experiment with their style and fosters a community where all ages can shine. Ultimately, Luisa reminds us that fashion knows no boundaries and that we can all dress to reflect our unique personalities, regardless of the number of candles on our birthday cake.

THROWBACK STYLES: 17+ MUST-TRY 90S HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN

Our gallery of 90s hairstyles for women features iconic looks, from Rachel’s unforgettable cut in Friends and Janet Jackson’s stunning braids to Mariah Carey’s fabulous curls. Best of all, we showcase how these classic styles are being reimagined and styled today!

The Rachel

Is there really any need for an explanation? Didn’t think so!

90’s Voluminous Blowout

Cindy Crawford perfectly embodied the essence of hair that radiates volume and glamour. With her stunning locks, she set the standard for luxurious hairstyles that captivated audiences everywhere. Her ability to combine volume with a glamorous finish made her a true style icon, inspiring countless women to embrace their own luscious, eye-catching hair.

Hair in an Updo

This hairstyle involves pulling the hair back tightly and securing it at the crown of the head, resulting in a sleek and polished appearance. This elegant style not only showcases the face beautifully but also exudes sophistication and confidence. The tightness of the pull ensures that the hair remains in place, allowing for a refined look that highlights the wearer’s features and adds a touch of glamour to any outfit.

Teeny Double Dutch Pigtails

This effortless hairstyle is a total ’90s throwback. Britney Spears styled her short hair into two messy plaits, secured with elastics, leaving just a hint of hair peeking out at the ends for a fun and playful look.

The Rachel Haircut

The shoulder-length hairstyle, featuring face-framing layers and choppy ends, was expertly crafted by hairstylist Chris McMillan. This iconic look gained immense popularity through its association with Friends, becoming a highly sought-after style that many women desired. Its effortless yet chic appearance perfectly complemented various face shapes, making it a go-to choice for those looking to achieve a modern and versatile look.

Thick Braids

The influence of the film Poetic Justice extended far beyond the silver screen, leaving a lasting impact on cultural trends and hairstyles. In the 90s, braids emerged as a powerful symbol of empowerment and self-expression, particularly for Black women. Braids became more than just a fashion statement; they represented cultural identity, resilience, and individuality, allowing women to express their unique personalities and heritage.

Butterfly Clips

Stefani was never shy about experimenting with her hair. In this look, she embraces a trend that nearly every ’90s girl rocked: the iconic butterfly clip. It was truly a defining accessory of the era!

Shoulder Length Curls

No one, and I repeat, no one, rocked shoulder-length curls quite like J-Lo. Her stunning curls, known for their ability to add incredible volume and dimension, quickly became a beloved style among women in the 90s. J-Lo’s signature look not only highlighted her features but also captured the essence of glamour. Her curls continue to inspire and influence hairstyles today, proving that true style is timeless.

Bumped Bob

The soft curls enhance this classic bob, giving the hairstyle a captivating twist. Seen on the angelic Angelina Jolie, this updated version of the bob would certainly turn heads if it graced the streets today.

Short Pixie with Short Fringe

This hairstyle is reminiscent of the traditional pixie cut but features a shorter fringe, drawing even more attention to the overall profile. The shorter bangs frame the face beautifully, accentuating the eyes and cheekbones while adding a playful touch to the classic look. It’s a striking choice for those who want to make a bold statement, offering a fresh and modern twist that keeps all eyes on the wearer.

The Hilary Banks

Everything about The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air embodies ’90s culture, but nothing quite matches Hilary Banks’s perfectly coiled hairstyle. She often accessorized it with a statement hat or an oversized bow, adding a chic touch to her ensembles.

Hair with Bandana

Bandanas were a staple accessory in 90s fashion, playing a pivotal role in defining the era’s edgy and rebellious style. Often worn in a multitude of ways—tied around the head, neck, or wrist—they added a distinctive touch of casual cool to any outfit. Whether paired with denim, oversized jackets, or casual tees, bandanas served as a bold statement piece, embodying the spirit of the 90s and contributing to the decade’s iconic aesthetic.

Feathered Fringes

There was a time when nearly every TV character showcased voluminous, feathered fringes. From D.J. Tanner to Kelly Bundy, and, of course, Tiffani Thiessen as Kelly Kapowski on Saved by the Bell, these bangs epitomized the cool girl vibe

Short Pixie Cut with Fringe

The allure of the short pixie cut lies in its remarkable ability to frame the face beautifully, accentuating features while exuding a chic and modern vibe. This hairstyle is not only stylish but also offers a low-maintenance option for those seeking a short haircut. Its versatility allows for a range of looks, making it an ideal choice for anyone wanting to make a bold statement with minimal effort.

Designer Blonde Wigs

The 90s marked the rise of wig-wearing as a popular trend, with many celebrities embracing this transformative accessory to change their appearance for performances, red carpet events, and media appearances. Wigs allowed for effortless style experimentation, enabling stars to switch up their looks instantly. The influence of this practice continues today, as wigs remain a favored tool for self-expression and reinvention in the world of fashion and entertainment.

Hair Jewellery Clips

Hair jewelry has become a standout accessory, accentuating a diverse array of hairstyles that embody the exaggerated aesthetic of the 90s. From colorful clips and glittering pins to beaded braids and statement headbands, these embellishments add a playful and eye-catching element to various looks. Whether worn in elaborate updos or cascading waves, hair jewelry perfectly captures the spirit of the 90s, celebrating individuality and the joy of accessorizing in a fun, memorable way.

Tiny Twists

The only thing that could make this style more ’90s is a mini clip adorning the end of these tiny twists. This half-rolled hairstyle, affectionately referred to as “picture-day hair” by elementary school kids, dominated the decade. With its playful charm and effortless vibe, it perfectly captured the essence of 90s fashion. This hairstyle was a go-to choice for many, embodying the carefree spirit of youth and the iconic trends that defined an unforgettable era in style.

conclusion

In conclusion, the 90s were a vibrant decade for hairstyling and fashion, marked by bold choices and iconic trends that continue to influence styles today. Accessories like bandanas and hair jewelry played a significant role in enhancing these looks, adding a touch of edge and personality to outfits. The rise of wig-wearing among celebrities further exemplified the era’s spirit of experimentation and transformation. Overall, the 90s left an indelible mark on beauty and fashion, celebrating individuality and self-expression in ways that resonate with many today.